Paralympian switches from Canada to Great Britain

From BBC News:

Canadian Paralympic athlete Stefanie Reid (pictured) has switched allegiances to Great Britain and will aim for a place on the GB team for the 2012 Paralympics.

The 25-year-old became a below the knee amputee when she lost her foot in a boating accident aged 16.

She won a bronze medal in the T44 200m at the Beijing Paralympics and is also an accomplished long jumper.

Reid, who was born in New Zealand, is eligible to compete for GB as both of her parents are British.

Reid, who is married to Canadian wheelchair racer Brent Lakatos, will continue to live in Dallas but will train regularly in Great Britain and work closely with Lee Valley Performance Centre Director Dan Pfaff ahead of the 2012 Games.

She said: "UKA has committed to excellence in both Paralympic and Olympic programmes with facilities, coaching and support to back it up.

"I am excited to experience being part of the home team in London 2012, ironically I will have a larger cheer in the crowd here than where I grew up as all my extended family is British!"

UKA Paralympic head coach Peter Eriksson said: "I have known Stefanie for some time as I previously worked with her husband Brent before coming to the UK.

"It is great for the UK that she will compete for us - we currently do not have any athlete in her class at that level but I am sure her presence will inspire developing athletes.

"She has the potential win two medals in London and I know she will make a great addition to the team."